Help for Refugees

A refugee carries a child as he makes his way through the border from Hungary towards the Austrain town of Nickelsdorf September 21 Photo credit Reuters/DAVID W CERNY

Many people across the Benefice have been asking what can we do to help refugees fleeing Syria and other countries. Here are some organisations, both local and national, that you might consider supporting:

West Oxfordshire District Council is providing information for local residents who wish to help the plight of Syrian refugees. There is more information on their website – http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/refugees They note that there are some local organisations who are collecting supplies for refugees and that would welcome material and financial donations.

Emmaus Oxford are also taking basic essentials to refugees in Calais. To find out how you can support their work, see their website – http://www.emmaus.org.uk

Asylum Welcome are another Oxford charity but focuses its work with refugees and asylum seekers already in Oxfordshire. To find out how you can support their work, see their website – http://www.asylum-welcome.org

If you wish to make a financial donation, these Christian charities are getting aid to those most at need:

Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East FRRME is a small UK-based charity, set up to support the work of Canon Andrew White – until November 2014 the vicar of Bagdad, is providing food, shelter and medicine for hundreds of Iraqi refugee families who have fled ISIS and are now in Jordan. Some have walked across the desert to find safety, with little more than the clothes on their backs. You can read more about FRRMEs work and donate here.

Christian Aid is working with churches and other agencies in supporting humanitarian efforts taking place in Europe and the Middle East. Their partners can provide essential humanitarian supplies such as food, fuel for cooking, hygiene and sanitation kits, water containers and cash assistance, as well as psychological support for those who are suffering as a result of the conflict. To donate click here.

Thank you to all those who gave donations at Marian’s Licensing service – we raised £535 plus Gift aid.